This was the Impact’s first win in nine games against their Minnesota rivals.
“The team has being growing recently," declared head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We were in search of our identity, but now we have gained confidence. I think that we deserved the three points. It’s been three years that we had not beaten Minnesota, so I’m very satisfied with the outcome.”
On the goal sequence started by Leonardo Di Lorenzo and Rocco Placentino, midfielder Pierre-Rudolph Mayard fired a low shot that was stopped by Thunder goalkeeper Nicolas Platter, but Brown jumped on the rebound with a head, scoring his 5th regular season goal.
“We have to keep on going this way,” noted Brown. “We need to keep on working hard and do our best on every occasion. We got the three points today and that’s what we needed to move forward.”
The Impact dominated 14-6 in shots on goal. Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, who played the last six regular season games notably stood out at the 66th minute when he contained an attack from the Thunder by coming out from his goal to prevent Brian Cvilikas from shooting. Less than two minutes later, he then blocked a free kick from midfielder Ricardo Sanchez.
“Minnesota is a good team,” mentioned veteran defender Nevio Pizzolitto. “Defensively we did well today and remained focused during the full 90 minutes. This is what made the difference in this match.”
“All league matches are very difficult,” added Dos Santos. “There is no easy team to beat. We need to respect our opponents and show up on the field with the right attitude to earn the points.”
The Impact obtained numerous scoring chances during the whole game, notably at the 21st minute. After beating with his speed defender Chris Clements, midfielder Pierre-Rudolph Mayard took a powerful shot from inside the box that hit the crossbar.
Roberto Brown and Nevio Pizzolitto received a yellow card minute, their fifth caution this season. They will serve an automatic one-game suspension next week.
The Montreal Impact will play its next match Wednesday against the Portland Timbers at Saputo Stadium (7:30 pm, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com). Montreal will be facing a significant challenge as the Timbers have only lost once in 21 matches this season.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
3rd minute – Pierre-Rudolph Mayard took a free kick 30 meters out that sailed just over the Thunder net.
7th minute - After collecting the ball on the left flank from Leonardo Di Lorenzo, forward Roberto Brown dribbled towards the Minnesota goal, before sending a pass behind the Thunder defense to Mayard, who took a low point blank shot that Nicolas Platter blocked after coming out from his goal.
16th minute – Roberto Brown gave the ball to midfielder Rocco Placentino on the right flank, who then took a left footed shot that went to the right of the goal
27th minute – On a cross from defender Adam Braz, who went out offensively, Rocco Placentino headed the ball from the penalty spot, but his shot went just to the left of the goal.
30th minute – Following an exchange between Ciaran O’Brien and Pierre-Rudolph Mayard, O’Brien fired a 20-meter shot that goalkeeper Nicolas Platter was able to block with a falling save to his left.
55th minute – Roberto Brown headed a cross from Ciaran O’Brien, but his shot went to the right of the Thunder goal.
NEXT MATCHES
• Wednesday, August 12 – Portland @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
• Saturday, August 15 – IMPACT @ Puerto Rico – Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium - 8 pm (USLlive.com)
• Tuesday, August 18 – IMPACT @ Cleveland – Middlefield Cheese Stadium -7 pm (USLllive.com)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
-30-
Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (Ext. 227)
